Forums at three Kyrene Corridor
schools may give parents their last opportunity to react to proposed changes
in future K-8 programming before a series of potentially far-reaching
recommendations begin reaching decision makers later this month.

The forums, scheduled from 6:30 to 8
p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at Aprende, Pueblo and Kyrene middle schools, are
designed to provide a progress report on a massive study involving what
district officials describe as “every single instructional program Kyrene
offers.”

The study, launched last November, is
expected to continue over three years, with implementation of any resulting
recommendations occurring at stages along the way.

“Everything is not going to happen at
once, but there probably will be some initial recommendations coming forward
sometime in February,” said Johnny Cruz, the district’s communications
manager.

Recommendations would go first to
district administrators, then to the school board for action.

Ever since the study got under way, says
Cruz, interest in the outcome has been high.

“”It’s definitely a reality that
people are taking significant interest in what items are being discussed.
For that reason, the forums will provide a good environment to get a little
more depth and detail, and have some group interaction with people involved
in the process.”

Although Cruz said the study group has
made some preliminary judgments about possible recommendations, which may be
reflected in the February report, no final decisions have been made.

“At this point there are many issues
that are not yet at the point of consensus, but there still is plenty of
time,” he said. “The forums are happening before any recommendations are
made and we can get feedback. People will have an opportunity to get a much
more thorough understanding of the process and status (of the study), and
have a chance to ask questions and engage in more of an interactive
dialog.”

Issues that so far have commanded the
greatest interest, says Cruz, include the status of such elective programs
as art, music and physical education, and how much time should be devoted to
each.

As to agreement on possible
recommendations, Cruz says it is too early to expect consensus.

“Some people are going to feel
stronger about some things than others.” That is why, he says, public
input at this stage can be a valuable tool.

Although Kyrene was seen as a highly
progressive district in the 1980s and ‘90s, budget cuts and declining
enrollment during the past few years have forced the district to reexamine
how its money is allocated in the classroom.

“We really would prefer to be in a
(financial) situation where we wouldn’t have to make these difficult
decisions,” Cruz said.

“These decisions represent challenges
because there are strong feelings involved; sometimes (the decisions we
make) are not going to be very comfortable.”

When the study group has completed its
work, says Cruz, hopes remain any negative impact on students can be kept to
a minimum.

“The whole purpose (of the study) is
to produce higher levels of student achievement and learning, and to do so
in a fiscally responsible manner,” he said.

Although there appear to have been no
major initiatives critical of the study so far, Cruz says reaction has been
mixed.

“Some are very optimistic, some are
concerned about what directions might be taken. That’s to be expected
whenever change is being discussed.”

For community members interested in how
the study is proceeding, Cruz says he highly recommends visiting the
district’s website at www.kyrene.org/ksdportal
and clicking on the “learn more” link regarding the community forums.
And, of course, attending one of the Feb. 7 forums.